Our discussion this month covered programs available to under-utilized businesses looking to contract with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). We also highlighted Health Care Month by talking with health care employers currently hiring  during this unprecedented health care workforce shortage. 

Achieving Equity in the Procurement Process 

Mary Schmidt from the Advancing Equity Office at the Minnesota Department of Transportation shared strategies their agency is using to open the door on government contracting for small businesses, especially those owned by immigrants and refugees. Since 2016, the department has turned its equity commitment into action by making their procurement process more inclusive for all businesses. One way they’ve been able to reach more under-utilized businesses is by making their contracts smaller to help level the playing field for smaller businesses who might not otherwise bid on those projects. MnDOT uses Negotiated Maintenance and Construction (NMC) contracts that are directed toward local small businesses to fix and maintain MnDOT infrastructure. They also award Professional Technical Consultant contracts to under-utilized firms of all sizes to help plan, prepare and carry out projects. Another resource for small businesses is the MN Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) which helps organizations learn about and apply for available local, state and federal government contracts. 

January is Health Care Month 

Minnesota and the nation are facing an unprecedented health care workforce shortage – one that has a real impact not only on people providing care, but also on those receiving it. That’s why Governor Walz has proclaimed January as Health Care Month. To highlight this critical industry, we invited three Minnesota employers to share their current employment opportunities, how they actively work to welcome immigrants and refugees, and how they help New Americans overcome employment barriers. 

First, we heard from Bill Akuma, President and CEO of Uplifted Care Services in Brooklyn Park. As a Kenyon native, he understands the struggles immigrants face when arriving in a new country and finding employment. Their company provides assisted living services to clients living in 5-bedroom households instead of large facilities. They also provide private in-home duty nursing to clients. They are currently hiring personal care assistants, nurses, activity coordinators, day program managers, and food services. They offer extensive training to new employees as well as connect them with mentors, so employees are ready for success out in the field.  

Next, we heard from Adbiwadi Husen, owner of Minnesota Quality Care in Minneapolis. Their company has provided home care in downtown Minneapolis for the past 21 years with a specialty in serving members of immigrant communities. Their office speaks a variety of languages so it’s easier to help applicants fill out HR paperwork and other onboarding processes. One way to help reduce employment barriers for New Americans is to mentor and support them while on the job so they have the confidence to grow within the company. Current available positions include personal care assistants, service coordinators, intake coordinators, administrative assistants and registered nurses. 

Our final employer was Pang Vang, CEO of Rainbow Health Kare, Inc. in St. Paul. Their company serves the metro area, as well as central, southwest and southeast Minnesota. Prior to starting the agency with her father, Pang was a caregiver for many years. They currently have openings for caregivers and personal care assistants. They help reduce barriers for new immigrant employees by meeting them in person or working with them virtually to get set up for their job, depending on what is best for each employee. They teach about certain cultural aspects about the job like clocking in and out each day, following a care plan and understanding their rights as workers. They also help with other assistance  like finding housing or applying for college.  

If you missed this month’s forum, watch the discussion on DEED’s YouTube channel.